The Pantry
Mediterranean-inspired

One-pot tomato and lentil orzo

Red lentils soften into a rich tomato sauce around tender orzo and spinach. One pot, everyday pantry ingredients.

Prep 10 minCook 25 minAdjust servings ↓
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One-pot tomato and lentil orzo
~510 calper person · ~1020 total
~$6.00meal total · ~$3.00 per person

Estimated calories and US ingredient costs.

The Pantry way

Your whole cook, in one place.

Ingredients, steps and a live timeline. Ready for 2 people.

Step timeline

Cooking order

5 left
Step 1

Soften the onion

~6 min

Soften the onion.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Cook the onion for 5 minutes until softened.

Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.

Ingredients
  • 1 tbspOlive oil
  • 1Small onion
  • 2Garlic cloves
Step 2

Start the lentils

~8 min

Start the lentils.

Add the rinsed lentils, tomatoes and 2 cups broth.

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup total for recipeDry red lentils
  • 1 canDiced tomatoes (14 oz)
Step 3

Cook the orzo

~12 min

Cook the orzo.

Stir in 4 oz orzo.

Simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring often so it does not stick, until the orzo and lentils are tender.

Add hot water a splash at a time if needed.

Ingredients
  • 4 ozDry orzo
Step 4

Finish the pot

~1 min

Finish the pot.

Stir in 2 cups spinach and cook until wilted.

Turn off the heat and fold in 1/4 cup Parmesan and basil.

Taste before adding up to 1/4 tsp salt

Ingredients
  • 2 cupsBaby spinach
  • 1/4 cupGrated Parmesan
  • 1/4 tspKosher salt
  • 2 tbspBasil
Step 5

Serve meal

~1 min

Once all dishes are cooked and ready, plate and serve the meal together.

One-pot tomato and lentil orzo: then divide between 2 bowls.

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Ingredients

For 2 people

  • 4 oz dry orzo
  • 1/3 cup dry red lentils, rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp chopped basil

Method

  1. Soften the onionHeat 1 tbsp oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.
  2. Start the lentilsAdd the rinsed lentils, tomatoes and 2 cups broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Cook the orzoStir in 4 oz orzo. Simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring often so it does not stick, until the orzo and lentils are tender. Add hot water a splash at a time if needed.
  4. Finish the potStir in 2 cups spinach and cook until wilted. Turn off the heat and fold in 1/4 cup Parmesan and basil. Taste before adding up to 1/4 tsp salt, then divide between 2 bowls.

Before you cook

What to get ready

Heavy saucepan with lid, measuring jug and spoon.

Measure lentils and orzo separately and check the recipe’s lentil type; different varieties do not cook at the same speed.

If something needs adjusting

Orzo sticks to the bottom

Stir along the bottom regularly and keep the heat at a gentle simmer. Add small amounts of hot water if it becomes dry before tender.

Mixture is too loose

Rest briefly off the heat; orzo continues absorbing liquid. Avoid reducing until dry.

Store for later

Cool in shallow containers. Add water when reheating because the pasta and lentils absorb sauce during storage; heat to 165°F.

Refrigerate perishables within 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F. Keep the fridge at 40°F or below; use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days. USDA storage and reheating guidance.

Make the ingredients go further

This meal uses small amounts of shelf-stable staples. Compare dried lentils by unit price and use remaining spinach in a bean skillet.

Calculate this meal with your own prices →

How to Cook Lentils →

Cooking notes updated October 24, 2026. How we create recipes.

Tips, swaps and questions

A little kitchen know-how

Check the pot regularly after adding orzo; pasta can settle and stick to the bottom.

Make it work for you

Omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative. This recipe relies on quick-cooking red lentils; green lentils need a different cooking schedule.

For another cupboard-friendly meal with spinach, try creamy white beans with spinach.

Does orzo contain rice?

Orzo is rice-shaped pasta, usually made from wheat. Read the package if avoiding gluten and follow its timing if using a gluten-free variety.

Times are estimates. Check ingredients for allergens. For safe temperatures and storage, see FoodSafety.gov.

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